Having known about these forever, i saw one in the shop the other day and bought it. I needn't have wasted my time. The pencil lead is relatively thick and doesn't retain its sharp point for more than one line, after which it is so worn down that any mm accuracy is lost.

Don't think the Pica pencils are designed for making precision lines; for precision lines, I go with a 0.3mm mechanical pencil.

I use the Picas on dark woods such as walnut, sepele or even cherry. They are excellent for numbering or marking parts (e.g. with cabinetmaker's triangles) in their proper orientation as compared to chalks which leave a blunt mark to get rid of. I also use them for marking domino locations to prevent mortising errors.

I also like the size and color...you won't "lose" them on a bench like pencils when you have tools or workpieces all over the place.

Must have if you have the habit of marking your work in the stock prep. stage.

Ever since the inflationary use of the Pica marker it's seems to be forgotten that the Pica design was originally intended to be a deep hole marker - not a pencil for precise marking. Basically a "comfort" version vs. just using a lead or pencil refil.

That's what I could think of in 5 minutes, maybe plus a few seconds...

@HarveyWildes Were you talking about one of the Incra 3" rules? I don't know that I've ever seen a Woodpeckers rule that was smaller than their 6" version. If you're talking about the Incra Tiny T-Rule, I consider that to be a top pick that falls under $25.

That's what I could think of in 5 minutes, maybe plus a few seconds...

@HarveyWildes Were you talking about one of the Incra 3" rules? I don't know that I've ever seen a Woodpeckers rule that was smaller than their 6" version. If you're talking about the Incra Tiny T-Rule, I consider that to be a top pick that falls under $25.

It's the one without the t-track "Incra Precision 3” x 2” Pocket Rule"

Actually the comments about deep hole making with the Pica Dry pencil are very appropriate... That is the reason i do still occasionally use it and it works great... I guess it was my fault for thinking it would make a good line marking pencil..